“It also doesn’t mean I want to be,” I say carefully.There’s a security guard in our box and that’s not the normal for us.I have a feeling Dad made a call after he met Adam.I could get angry about it, but right now, I'm really thankful for that.
“What?”Adam rears back like I just slapped him and stares at me with wide eyes.
“Well, you don’t exactly seem like the same guy I met last night.The guy from last night and the text messages was sweet and caring.He wanted to get to know me and wasn’t trying to hide the fact.This version… he’s done nothing but insult my family and friends.He’s put me down time and time again, trying his hardest to make me feel guilty for everything I’ve worked for.”
“I didn’t mean to.”He shakes his head.
“It doesn’t matter what you meant to do, Adam.I won't put up with someone like that in my life.I have enough to deal with on a daily basis.As you like to remind me, I run a multi-billion-dollar company.I deal with jerks like you several times a day.People who can’t handle a woman being in charge and think my place is at home.I don’t put up with it at work and I definitely won't put up with that in my personal life.”
“I… I was intimidated.You’re Cici Powell.You could have anyone in the world and yet you were showing me attention.”
“Yeah, I was.But I think it was pointless.I don’t think you could ever fit into my life.It has nothing to do with your bank account, your career, or your last name.The only reason you’ll never be part of my life is because of your attitude.Now, you can stay and enjoy the game, or you can go home.I don’t really care either way, but I suggest you forget me once you walk out that door.”
I stand to my full height and move to the first row of seating.I take the spot next to Dad and his arm instantly wraps around my shoulders.
“I'm proud of you, Princess.”He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead.
“For what?Bringing a scumbag with me to the game?”I let out a humorless laugh.It’s quiet enough Adam won't be able to hear me.
“Nah, for standing up for yourself and putting him in his place.Your mama and I raised you right.You don’t care about the dollar signs and what other people can do for you.You only care about how they treat you and I couldn’t be prouder of you for that.”
“I'm just tired of being alone.”I sigh and snuggle into his side.
“You know what’s worse being alone?”
“Hmm?”
“Being with someone who isn’t worthy of your attention.Being with the wrong guy.One who will put you down every chance they get because it will make them feel better.That’s so much worse than being alone, sweetheart.”
“That is true.”
When the game ends, I stand and stretch my torso one way and then the other.I glance over my shoulder and am happy to see Adam’s gone.I'm not sure when he left or where his head was at with everything that happened, but he’s gone… and so is the security guard.
I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he won't be able to come near me again.I already spoke to the security at the gate of my community and I’ll speak to the security at my office on Monday morning.I’ll make sure Adam can’t come within one-hundred feet of me without me knowing.
The girls are all heading down to wait for their men outside of the locker room.Liliana’s already downstairs taking interviews with the opposing team.She says she likes to get those interviews out of the way before she approaches the Pit Bulls players.She knows our team won't try to dodge her questions and they’ll happily accept phone calls or texts later on in the day if she needs to contact them that way.
“C’mon, sweetie.”Winnie holds out her hand to Tali, but the little girl looks exhausted.
“Mommy, can you carry me?”
“Uh…” Winnie glances around at their bags and frowns.I know she’s not super far into her pregnancy, but she’s even more tired than Tali is.I don’t know how she does all of this.
“How about I carry you, Tali?”I hold my hands out and wait to see how she’ll respond.
“Ok!”She happily jumps at the chance to be carried and I don’t mind having a little one in my arms.
I cradle her head against my shoulder as we make our way through the maze of hallways.By the time we get down to the locker room, Tali is snoring softly.
“Thanks, Cici.I knew she was tired.I was really hoping she’d sleep during the game.She’s always so excited to watch Jamie play.She’s her daddy’s little girl and nothing else matters.”
“I don’t know.I think she loves her mommy just as much.”I grin at her.
“I know.I'm lucky to have her.She’s the sweetest and we bonded instantly.”She smiles at her adopted daughter and brushes a few strands of hair out of her face.
Schmidt is the first one out of the locker room as usual.He always hurries to shower and get changed so he can see his girls faster.
He carefully takes Tali from my arms and hugs her to his chest.I’ve never seen a father so obsessed with their child.They’re adorable together.
